ABILENE, Texas-- Faced with a no-confidence vote by the firefighters union, the Abilene Fire Chief has resigned.
Chief Brad Fitzer, who has been in the position since 2003, resigned effective immediately according to City Manager Larry Gilley. At a 5:30 p.m. news conference, Gilley said he accepted Fitzer's resignation and a search for his replacement will now begin.
Gilley said "our goal will remain to find the best person to continue to build the best fire department we can for the community."
It was revealed last week the city has spent over $40,000 in consultant fees to help address problems within the department between the firefighters and the administration.
The firefighters union which represents most of the departments' firefighters been set to take a no confidence vote of their members today.
That vote had not started, according to union officials. Gilley says Assistant Fire Chief Allan Plumbly will now serve as acting fire chief until a new chief is hired.
"This is not about an individual but to help the fire department do a better job of service the community", according to Gilley.
He went on to assure city residents that they will continue to receive the highest level of service during this time.
In a statement from the Abilene Professional Firefighters Professional Board, they said that they have addressed the issues that have been under discussion with Gilley and they have been dealt with.
"Now it is time for us all to move forward with the business of serving the citizens of Abilene. This resolution of issues is not the result of firefighter's vote, but of communication between he firefighters association and city management. Our scheduled vote has been cancelled."
Union officials say they look forward to continuing to work with the city on development and training for better communication.
Republished with permission of KRBC-TV.
